About

Freemasonry and associated bodies

The fraternity of Freemasonry, also known as “Free and Accepted Masons,” is organized by private groups of members variously known in English as lodges, chapters, councils, commanderies, consistories, etc., which can be collectively referred to as “Masonic bodies”.

The basic Masonic body is the “Masonic lodge”, which alone can make a Mason, and confers the first three degrees in Masonry, being that of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason.

While there is no degree in Freemasonry higher than that of Master Mason, there are a number of related organizations which have as a prerequisite to joining that one be a Master Mason, such as the Scottish Rite and the York Rite.

Additionally, there are also organizations affiliated with Freemasonry that admit both Master Masons and non-Masons who have some relation to a Master Mason, such as the Order of the Eastern Star, International Order of Job’s Daughters and the Order of the Amaranth. Still other affiliated organizations like the Order of DeMolay and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls admit non-Masons and have no requirement that an applicant be related to a Master Mason.

Calvin W. Prather Lodge No. 717 is proud that a number of our members have continued their Masonic education through active participation in one of several Masonic appendant and concordant bodies. Here we provide an overview of some of those organizations and links to websites which will provide detailed information. If you want additional information just give us a call or contact the local body in your area.